like grim death

English

Etymology

Association between grim and death arose at least by 1590. More information at Grim Reaper.

Prepositional phrase

like grim death

1. (simile) With savage determination or persistence.

   I hung onto the rope like grim death.

   • 1944 May and June, “When the Circle was Steam Operated”, in Railway Magazine, page 133:

     I crouched low and held on like grim death to a little rail near me.